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Sunday, November 13, 2011

Forever True?

As a writer, I most certainly want readers to enjoy my story. With that said, I think there's a difference between writing a story that will make readers happy and writing a story that stays true to the characters and the way the story is meant to unfold.

I think sometimes it's hard to stay true to our characters, especially when they want to go in a direction that may not make readers happy. As a writer, what do you do? Do you write the story so it'll sell books and keep controversy to a minimum or do you listen to your characters and let them take the lead, even if you don't agree with "their" decisions.

As a pantser (a type of writer who does not plot things out, but rather writes by the seat of his/her pants), I let my characters take the story where they want to take it. Sometimes it leaves me shaking my head and cringing. The decisions my characters make aren't always the decisions I would have made for them. Sounds silly, right? After all, I'm the one writing the story. And yet... I feel as though I'd be untrue if I wrote something that didn't fit what my character would do, or the decisions she/he would make. I also think there's something to be said for writing the story you want to write, without being influenced by what others will think of you or your story.

If you've read my book, Viridis, there's a scene in there that left me cringing, and you'll likely know the one. Would I have done what Phoebe did? I don't know. But what I do know is that the decision she made was true to her character, based on her fears and emotions at that point in the story. Truth be told, I originally wrote the scene so I would know what Phoebe went through, but had no intentions of putting it in the book, for fear that readers would freak out. However, my agent convinced me otherwise, explaining that Phoebe's reactions to what occurred seemed like an over-reaction if the reader didn't get to see what actually happened. I took her advise and put it in, and though I feel I remained true, sure enough, not all readers have been happy.

Once more, Devil on a Sparrow's Wing, book 2 in the series, left me thinking and rethinking the ending. It would certainly be easier to pick an ending that would be less controversial, and yet... any endings other than the one chosen would not have been true to my characters. I can only hope that my readers will know my characters well enough by then, and will understand it was what my characters would have done.

It isn't easy to stay true, especially when you know they'll be some backlash. But I'm happy that I've stayed true to my characters, even if my story isn't everyone's cup of tea--not to say I won't try to make everyone happy if there's a way to do it and still keep in line with what my characters want. ; )How do you get around this sort of dilemma? Do you find a way to tweak things so everyone's happy, including your characters and your readers, or do you throw caution to the wind and just write your story without giving it any thought?

19 comments:

I love your guts! Having read both stories, I agree you stay true to the characters and their hearts - which is not always easy to do. When faced with the hardest decisions, your characters make choices that make sense - they're real people who are doing their best every step. Keep it up!

As for me, so far, my characters haven't put me to that test ... yet. We'll see what happens when they do! :)

There are people who avoid all forms of negativity, like the news and worrying about anything. They a are market, and marketing to them or not, is probabally a decision that you'll have to make. Question is, do you have any passion for that market?

I have to first say that I am working on reading Viridis. School is kicking my butt because its the end of the semester, but I will get to it before the end of the year.

Now as for me staying true to my characters...For the most part I think so. If I don't I can see where the story starts to derail. Case in point one of my characters is not very keen on losing in any form of the word. He ends up raping his consort to prove a point to another man. I cringe every time I go back and read it, but it was what he would do, because he's a jerk (put mildly). He dies a few pages later and good riddance. I just worry that even though the way I wrote it didn't spell it out (readers arent stupid) that the romance community will not be a big fan of that scene. But truthfully its a lie to do anything else.

This sounds familiar..lol. I think you do a good job by 'going with your gut' when you write. That's what I try to do too. I think that's what we have to do ultimately. When I had that issue we talked about, I knew in my gut it wasn't quite right, I just didn't know how to fix it. That's why I jumped on your suggestion because in my gut your suggestion felt exactly right. If something doesn't feel quite right in your writing, then keep plugging at it until it does.Great post!

I don't think a character is realistic unless we hate them and the decisions they make every once in awhile.

That being said, I am not a pantser, I am definitely a planner, so my characters almost never do anything they aren't supposed to do.

On the other hand, my stories also tend to be less character driven and what I struggle with sometimes is making the characters real and interesting and deep. It's actually harder to do when you've planned everything ahead of time because you're so focused on the plot, you forget the characters almost. At least that's how it is for me.

Alli, I agree that it was pivotal to the story and her character, and I'm glad you found the story intriguing. Best of luck with your own stories! I think you're well on your way if you're listening to your characters.

Personally I never start writing if I don't already know how the story is supposed to conclude, and the characters are always obliged to follow that plotline since that IS what makes it a STORY. If their personality doesn't seem in tune with their required actions, I go back and revise whatever appropriate section so that it will fit. That's how I operate -- but then I was trained in la commedia dell'arte where you'll ruin the whole play if you diverge too far from the scenario, so...

Thanks for your interest, Goldie! I do have it half written, but because I've had to switch to other projects due to interest, this one has been delayed. I'm still hoping to wrap it up and get it published some time in the near future. So sorry for the delay!

About Me

I started writing several years ago, and haven't ever looked back. I have several novels currently available, in addition to a steampunk craft book. I've won the Book Designer's e-Book Cover Design Award, and have been lucky enough to design covers for NY Times, USA Today, and National bestselling authors. I can be reached at ctaylorbooks@gmail.com .